Apparatus for aiding disposal of snow by compacting it to great density

ABSTRACT

Snow is dumped into a portable compressor which compresses the snow by hydraulic power through three stages into blocks of great density which require much less space than the original show and can hence be carried away with greater economy, or piled up with less commandeering of usable space. Hydraulic strokes are controlled by limit switches. When sufficient density is achieved in the final stage, the hydraulic pressure trips a switch which opens a gate so that continued cycling of the compacting apparatus ejects a highly compacted block of snow. When far enough out, it trips a switch to cause the gate to close, shearing off the projecting block, and dropping the block onto a conveyor. The combination of a swinging guard and pusher plate jointly forming one wall of the hopper permits handling huge quantities of snow.

United States Patent [1 1 Newell APPARATUS FOR AIDING DISPOSAL OF SNOWBY COMPACTING IT TO GREAT DENSITY [75] Inventor: Keith Newell, CedarRapids, Iowa [73] Assignee: Sno Pac Corporation, Buffalo, NY.

[22] Filed: Dec. 3, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 204,533

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 829,229, June2, 1969,

abandoned.

[52] US. Cl. 100/45, 37/10, 100/95, 100/215, 100/218, 100/232, 100/237,

[51] Int. Cl .t B30b 15/32 [58] Field of Search 100/190, 42, 43, 100/45,95, 98R, 215, 218, 232, 246, 247,

[ 1 Oct. 16, 1973 2,997,942 8/1961 Dunham et a1. 100/42 2,985,101 5/1961Hillstrom 100/232 3,005,403 10/1961 Van Endert 100/232 X 3,141,4017/1964 Lindemann et al. 100/232 X 3,149,428 9/1964 Hukill 37/103,438,320 4/1969 Raab 100/43 3,447,449 6/1969 Kostolich.... 100/2493,564,993 2/1971 Tezuka 100/232 X 3,565,297 2/1971 Bladt 100/218 XPrimary Examiner-Billy J. Wilhite Attorney-Arthur Schwartz [57] ABSTRACTSnow is dumped into a portable compressor which compresses the snow byhydraulic power through three stages into blocks of great density whichrequire much less space than the original show and can hence be carriedaway with greater economy, or piled up with less commandeering of usablespace. Hydraulic strokes are controlled by limit switches. Whensufficient density is achieved in the final stage, the hydraulicpressure trips a switch which opens a gate so that continued cycling ofthe compacting apparatus ejects a highly compacted block of snow. Whenfar enough out, it trips a switch to cause the gate to close, shearingoff the projecting block, and dropping the block onto a conveyor. Thecombination of a swinging guard and pusher plate jointly forming onewall of the hopper permits handling huge quantities of snow.

30 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures FMENTEDHUT 16 ms 3765331 sum 1 or 5INVENTOR.

ROBERT KEITH NEWE LL mddwaag SHEET 2 OF 5 PATENTEDUBT 16 I975 i u mvAPPARATUS FOR AIDING DISPOSAL OF SNOW BY (IGMPACTHNG IT TO GREAT DENSITYThis is a continuation of application Ser. No. 829,229, filed June 2,1969 and now abandoned.

The removal of heavy snows has long been an unsolved problem. The snowoccupies so much space that, except for occasional small areas, actualremoval of the snow from the area has not been considered economicallypracticable. Even when machines have been available for picking up thesnow and dumping it in trucks, the number of trucks which would berequired has usually made the project prohibitive.

The present invention greatly aids in the solution of the problem, orextends the areas for which haulage is feasible, by greatly compactingthe snow. There have been some prior suggestions, including patents, forcompacting snow. However, so far as is known, the devices have notworked with sufficient satisfaction to be successful. A device accordingto the present invention has been built and tested and is now deemedready for commercialization. The present disclosure is offered forpublic dissemination if patent protection is available.

More specific objects and advantages of the invention may be apparentfrom the following description and from the drawings.

DESIGNATION OF FIGURES FIG. 1 is a view showing mainly the dischargeside of the experimental model of the invention, and showing a scoopdumping snow into it.

FIG. 2 shows, in perspective, a highly compacted snow block asdischarged from the machine of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view looking down on the machine shown in FIG. 1.

F IG. 4 is a view looking at the side represented by the line 4-4 ofFIG. 3, the end which is at the left in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram for the controls used in connection with theapparatus illustrated.

ratus.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION The operation and construction of the apparatuschosen for illustration of this invention can be made clear by referenceto FIGS. 1 and 4. Snow may be more or less continuously loaded into themachine as by scoop 1 1 of a front end loader or by a conveyor.Preferably the manner of gathering the snow somewhat compacts it. Thesnow is dumped into a portion 12 of the machine which may be considereda hopper although only the rear swinging wall 13 slopes inwardly anddownwardly in a typical hopper fashion. A transversely extending rod 13ain the hopper 12 defines the pivotal access about which swing wall 13pivots. A feed plate, or first stage compression plate, 14, is actuatedby cylinder 16 to move the snow to the right, simultaneously compactingit. At the right-hand end of the machine as seen in FIG. 1, cylinders 18actuate tampers 19 to compress the snow further and press it down infront of ram 21, seen in FIG. 4. Ram 21 is operated by ram cylinder 22which further compresses the snow and moves it beyond the area oftamping, and in fact against the gate 24. When the snow has beensufficiently compacted, as determined by the fluid pressure required toactuate the ram cylinder 22, gate 24 is opened by hydraulic cylinder 26,whereupon one or more further actuations of the ram 21 will beginejection of the firmly compacted snow block. Ejection is accomplished byadding less compacted snow behind the compacted block. When the desiredlength of compacted block clears the path through which gate 24 willmove, cylinder 26 moves gate 24 back to its closed position, shearingoff the projecting portion. It drops to conveyor 27 (See FIG. 5) as aseparate block 28. The forming of a new compacted block by ram 21continues.

FIG. 2 shows a block 28 of compacted snow such as is discharged by thismachine. Such blocks are pushed along the slideway 29 by succeedingcross bars 30 (FIG. 5) carried by chains and may be discharged into atruck or removed by hand or by pick-off apparatus.

HOPPER AND FIRST STAGE The details of the hopper and first stage ofcompression are perhaps seen best in FIGS. 1 and 3. The problem ofmoving huge quantities of snow without letting snow fall behind themoving member is solved by the combination of a swinging bridge or chute13 and a pusher plate 14, both extending substantially the full width ofthe hopper 12. Jointly they form one wall of the hopper. The mainpurpose of bridge 13 is to keep snow from falling behind the pusherplate 14 as it advances from a position near one outer extremity of theapparatus. Thus as the feed plate 14 moves to the right, it swings thebridge or swinging wall 13 upwardly, but the bridge continues to bridgebetween its pivotal axis defined by shaft 13a and the pusher plate 14 sothat snow cannot fall behind the pusher plate 14. With the pusher plate14 nearly in its retracted position, as shown fully in FIG. 1, snow willslide down the swinging wall 13 into the line of movement of the pusherplate 14. As the pusher plate 14 approaches its more advanced position,an upper fragment of it being shown near its final position in FIG. 1,any snow newly deposited in the hopper 12 will be mainly supported ontop of swinging wall 13. When pusher plate 14 is retracted, wall 13 willswing back down and dump the snow into the path of the next movement ofpusher plate 14.

So that the snow will all be pushed into the path of tampers 19,converging guide plates 31 are provided, as seen best in FIG. 3.

The means for actuating pusher plate 14 is best seen in FIG. 3. Thepusher plate 14 is provided near the center of its height withextensions 32 extending through slots 33 (FIG. 1) in the opposite sidewalls 34 of hopper l2. Piston rods 36 of pistons 16 are pivoted to theextensions 32.

TAMPERS Tamper plates 19 are carried at the foot of tamper slides 38which telescope intoand partially out from tamper slideways 39. Bothslides 38 and slideways 39 are substantially rectangular incross-section. Slide pads 41 are carried on the four sides of each slide38 at its upper end, and slide pads 42 are carried on the four sides ofslideway 39 at its lower end, bearing on the outer faces of slide 38.

Each piston 43 of cylinders 18 is coupled to the base of slide 38 or tothe plate 19. The cylinders 18 may either be secured at their upperends, or may be secured at midpoints by cages 441 which provide roombetween them and the slideway 39 for receiving slide 38.

LAST STAGE RAM In a manner similar to that described for the tampers,ram 21 is carried by a slide, or is the front face of a ram body 46which moves along a slideway or compression chamber 47. Slide pads 41and 42 are again provided, at least along the bottom of slide 46. Thecylinder 22 is in this instance pivoted at its rear end to yoke 48,since the few inches of extra length at this point are not as likely tomake a difference as at the top where clearance is involved.

The retracted position of ram face 21, as shown in FIG. 4, is to therear of the tampers 19. It is then moved forwardly entirely past thetampers 19 so that the snow in front of it can be entirely surrounded bya compression chamber 47 of fixed walls, except for the movable gate 24.The compression chamber 47 is made up of four sturdy plates welded alongtheir edges to square tube construction, except that the upper plate isinterrupted where the snow is pressed through it by tampers 19.

HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT The present hydraulic circuit is quite evident fromFIG. 6. For the most part, it needs no description. A flow divider valve51 is provided for ensuring equal flow to the two cylinders 16 in theirworking stroke. Inasmuch as these operate at opposite ends of a singlepressure plate 14 it is important that the pistons 36 stay nearly instep with one another.

Valves 52A, 52B, 52C and 52D are solenoidactuated reversing valves, thecircuitry for the solenoids being shown in FIG. 5. They arespring-centered and in their central positions lock the cylinders andfreely return pressure fluid to the reservoir.

Ram cylinder 22 is supplied by two large pumps because this is acylinder of large diameter and hence speed of movement depends on largepumping capacity. The large diameter is, of course, to develop the highdensity of the snow which is desired.

Some additional speed in the operation of pressure plate 14 is providedby connecting pump 56, which is needed primarily for gate operatingcylinder 26, through valve 57 to the line supplying pressure to controlvalve 52A. In this instance the valve 57 is a flow divider valve whichexcludes the possibility that there might not be enough pressure in thefluid delivered to valve 52D to operate the gate with the speed desired.

Pressure switches 58 and 59 will be described in connection with thecircuitry.

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM AND SEQUENCING The circuitry is shown in FIG. and thecycling can thus be described with reference to that figure. We maystart with the assumption that ram cylinder 22 is at an intermediatepoint in its retraction stroke, so that limit switch 61 is open andrelay 62 is deenergized. Contact 62A now completes a circuit with threebranches, 63, 64 and 65. Branch 63, assuming pressure switch 58 isclosed, energizes solenoid 67 to operate reversing valve 52B in thedirection for lowering tamper slides 38. Branch 64, assuming limitswitch 68 to be closed, energizes solenoid 69 to actuate reversing valve52A in a direction to cause return of pusher plate. As pusher plate 14reaches its fully retracted position, it opens limit switch 68,interrupting branch circuit 64 and allowing spring-centered valve 52A toreturn to neutral position.

Branch 65 energizes solenoid 71 to actuate valve 52C in the directionfor operating ram cylinder 22 to retract its ram 21. As the movement ofram 21 trips limit switch 61, this closes a circuit through contact 598of pressure switch 59 to the coil of relay 62 to energize that relay.This opens contacts 62A to open the three branch circuits 63, 64 and 65,and closes contacts 62B and 62C. Contact 62B closes a circuit with threebranches, 63', 64' and 65' corresponding to branch circuits 63, 64 and65, except for actuating movements in the opposite direction. Thus thesolenoids 67', 69' and 71 are actuated to operate the respective valvesin the opposite directions. Limit switch 68' opens branch circuit 64 todeenergize solenoid 69 as the pressure plate 14 reaches its moreadvanced position, which happens to be the retracted positions of thecylinders 16. Limit switches 68 and 68 are not essential, but if theoperation of pusher plate 14 is faster than the operation of the othercompactors, these limit switches will save power inasmuch as the valves52A, B and C discharged to reservoir when in neutral position so thatthe oil flows at low pressure. At the same time, these valves lock theircylinders by cutting off flow to and from both ends of the cylinders.

As ram 21 leaves its retracted position, it allows limit switch 61 toopen. However, relay 62 is maintained energized by a branch of itsenergizing circuit extending through limit switch 73 and holding contact62C of relay 62. This holding branch is interrupted, however, as ram 21reaches its extended position and opens limit switch 73. Thereupon relay62 drops its contacts to the position shown in FIG. 5, and the cycle isrepeated as first described herein. The initial movement of ram 21allows limit switch 73 to close, but this no longer completes thecircuit for energizing coil 62 because contact 62C has dropped to theopen position.

While tampers 19 are in their compacting stroke, if the snow ahead ofthem has become sufficiently compacted that the hydraulic fluidoperating the cylinders 18 reaches a predetermined maximum, such as1,750 pounds per square inch, pressure switch 58 will be tripped,opening its contact 58A and allowing valve 52B to return to itsspring-centered position. It is desirable to design the sizes of partsso as to try to keep ram 21 supplied with approximately the maximum snowit can handle each stroke even though there may not be perfect ormaximum feeding of snow by the pusher 14 and the tampers 19, and thesnow fall may have been fluffy. Accordingly, when there is relativelymaximum feeding of heavy snow by these preliminary devices, (feedingabout 60 cubic feet of snow previously compacted by gathering) the snowmay reach maximum compaction intended at this stage before tampers 19reach their fully extended position. Allowing valve 52B to shift to itsneutral position in this circumstance avoids waste of power when tampers19 would not move much further anyway.

It is important that tampers 19 do not have to operate together. Whenram 21 is half retracted, one tamper 19, having a clear space ahead ofit, may move easily and take all of the pressure fluid so that it movesfast and pushes compacted snow in front of the ram. By the time the rammoves enough further back to clear the way for the other tamper, thefirst will have so compacted its snow that now the other will take allthe oil and move fast enough to push or drop its compacted snow in frontof ram 21 before ram 21 trips limit switch 61 and reverses bothmovements.

Pressure switch 59 has the important function of determining when thesnow block being compacted by ram 21 has reached the intendedcompactness so that it should be ejected; and opening the gate to permitthe ejection. Thus when the hydraulic fluid pressure driving the ram 21forwardly reaches the predetermined limit, which we still may assume tobe 1,750 pounds per square inch, pressure switch 59 is tripped. Thecontact 59A of this pressure switch closes the circuit to relay 81energizing the coil of this relay. The circuit through contact 59A isalso carried through limit switch 73, so

that if this required degree of pressure is only reached at the end ofthe stroke of ram 21 it will not actuate the relay 81, but will wait onemore stroke by the ram 21.

Energization of relay 81 operates its contact 81A to close the circuitto solenoid 83 which actuates valve 52D to deliver fluid under pressureto cylinder 26 in the gate opening direction. At the same time, contact818 closes a circuit through limit switch 84 acting as a holding circuitfor maintaining relay 81 energized. The gate therefore is held openindependently of limit switch 73 so that the compacting apparatus maycontinue to cycle. When ram 21 completes its stroke, it opens limitswitch 73, reversing the three compacting devices. As ram 21 retracts,tampers 19 will be advancing, pressing more partially compacted snow infront of ram 21. When ram 21 reaches its fully retracted position andcloses limit switch 61, the three compactors will again reverse. Thistime as ram 21 pushes the snow toward blocks 28 it will reach a point ofcompaction at which it moves the block 28 forwardly. Limit switch 84 isso located that when the desired length of block 28 projects beyond thegateway, limit switch 84 will be opened by action of the ice block 28.This breaks the holding circuit for relay 81, and the relay 81 will bedeenergized (pressure switch contact 59A now being open because pressuredoes not reach the maximum while gate 24 is open). Deenergization ofrelay 81 closes its contact 81C to establish a circuit to solenoid 83'energizing valve 52D in the direction for closing gate 24. As gate 24reaches its closed position it opens limit switch 86.

Depending on the position of limit switch 84, gate 24 will shear theblock off either by cutting into either fully compacted snow or thepartially compacted snow by which the block is being pressed forwardly,assuming this is firm enough to hold the block until the cutting actionbegins.

A limit switch could be provided to be actuated by gate 24 as it reachesits open position for allowing valve 52D to return to neutral. However,this is not necessary because the oil from pump will not be dischargedwastefully at high pressure, since the flow divider 57 will allow mostof it to flow to valve 52A to aid in operation of the pressure plate 14.

In FIG. 5 the limit switches are diagrammatically shown. For the mostpart their physical arrangements will be a matter of convenience. Thoseactually used in the test machine are shown in the drawings. In FIG. '3limit switches 68 and 68' are shown to be mounted on the side of thehopper 12, and each is actuated by a dog 91 carried by one of theextensions 32. In FIG. 4 limit switch 61 is shown carried by thecompression chamber 47, and actuated by the body of the ram 21 whenretracted. Limit switch 73 is shown carried by a bracket on compressionchamber 47 but actuated by a dog 92 on a rod 93 which reciprocates backand forth with the slide 46 which is the body of ram 21. The limitswitch 86 is carried by the compression chamber 46, near the outlet endthereof, and is engaged by a dog 94 carried by gate 24.

Limit switch 84 is carried by a post 96 upstanding from slideway 29, andas previously mentioned is actuated by the ice blocks.

Each of the limit switches may be adjustable as to its location or mayhave an adjustment within itself as to its position of actuation.Actually, the circuit change in each occurs slightly before the timeindicated so that the associated apparatus will reach the pointindicated at the end of the reaction time. With ideal positioning, thecontrol valve will be shifted to its neutral position just in time toavoid the shock or impact effect if any controlled part reached thephysical limit of its movement before the valve shifted.

CONVEYOR It is important to remove the severed ice blocks 28 promptlyand reliably. With the circuits shown, the gate might not otherwisefully open because the contact 59A of pressure switch 59 can be expectedto remain closed only for an instant. Providing a reliable conveyorunder the circumstances here encountered has not been as simple as wasexpected.

Reliability has been achieved by the style of conveyor illustrated. Thesevered snow block 28 drops a few inches onto a slide plate 29 alongwhich transverse flights 30 are moved by a pair of chains each runningaround a pair of sprockets. The flights 30 reliably move the blocks ofsnow, and there is no place where snow can pack in a manner to stopoperations. The sprockets continuously poke the chain free of snow. Theonly extensive surface on which snow can fall is plate 29 which isconstantly swept clean by the flights 30.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES The entire apparatus can be mounted on a frame ofwhich longitudinal beams 96 may be the basic portions. A suitable engine97 and the various pumps may also be carried by this frame. The varioussolenoid valves are most conveniently located beneath the floor ofhopper 12 this floor being approximately level with the to ofthecompression chamber 47.

The apparatus is low enough in cost and simple enough to operate so thatmany installations may be stationary. For example, a stationarilymounted apparatus of this invention might solve the problem for a largeshopping center or factory parking lot.

It is important to pack the snow to a very great density, and thisapparatus can achieve this. Calculations indicate a packing pressureachieved by ram 21 of over 200 pounds .per square inch. Although thismay be higher density than some would insist on, it would seem to bevery poor use of the invention to let the final compression fall belowpounds per square inch.

The density mentioned has been achieved by this invention with efficientgeneral operation, with the pusher plate developing approximately 9pounds per square inch on the snow. It should be understood that 9pounds per square inch is enough to do a great deal of compacting eventhough the snow has already been partially compacted in handling. Thepounds per square inch developed by the tampers is believed to be atleast about 35 pounds per square inch, but may vary, depending onwhether the nature of the snow is such that it will squirt out fromunder the tampers.

Satisfactory speed of production of snow blocks of such high density ashere contemplated is believed to require three stages of packing of thepartially compressed snow dumped in the hopper. The necessity for thisis more apparent when it is realized that the pusher plate has an areafive times the total area of the tamper plates, and each feedingmovement of the pusher plate displaces about 60 cubic feet. Henceparking this much snow into compression chamber expeditiously presents aproblem. It is preferred to increase the dimension of the tampers seenin FIG. 2 to 2 feet to correspond to the width of the compressionchamber 47, although the desirability of this is yet to be establishedby test, and the illustrated form (18 inches) works well.

For the most part, hydraulic experts will have no trouble choosingsuitable hydraulic components. Vick ers vane pumps have been foundsatisfactory (3525V38A2l ICC L for the twin pumps and V210 l 1W34Cl2 forthe single pump). Valves used for valves 51 and 57 respectively havebeen 2Vl4-8-6-40 and 2F23-P4-4-4.

I claim:

1. Snow compacting apparatus including a hopper into which a bulkquantity of snow may be dumped, a pusher plate moveable in the lowerportion of the hopper, for pushing snow in the hopper into a firstconfined area, partially compacting it therein; a swing-plate pivotallymounted in the hopper, said swing-plate being swung as the pusher platepushes snow, to a position to receive snow dumped toward the hopper anddump it therein as the pusher plate returns; said pusher plate beingsubstantially free from extensions lengthwise of its movement; hydraulicmeans extending along the length of the hopper for drawing the pusherplate through the hopper; second stage hydraulic compactor means movablein said first confined area for further compacting the snow and pushingit into a second confined area; and a hydraulic compacting ram movablein the second confined area for operation within a compression chamberclosed by a movable gate for further compacting the snow and forming adense snow block; means for opening the gate when a desired density hasbeen achieved, and for closing the gate behind an ejected block, thehydraulic ram operating when the gate is open to eject the snow blockalong an ejection path by packing more snow behind it.

2. Snow compacting apparatus according to claim 1 including conveyingmeans spaced below the ejection path to receive a block when severed byclosing of the gate from the supporting packed snow which supports andejects it.

3. Snow compacting apparatus according to claim 1 including conveyingmeans spaced below the ejection path to receive a block when severed byclosing of the gate from the supporting packed snow which supports andejects it, and switch means tripped by the moving block as it clears thepath for the closing of the gate.

4. Snow compacting apparatus according to claim 1 in which the pusherplate recedes to approximately the position of one outer hopper wall andmoves along two adjacent hopper walls.

5. Snow compacting apparatus according to claim 1 in which the pusherplate recedes to approximately the position of one outer hopper wall andmoves along two adjacent hopper walls; a swinging chute and bridge platehanging down in front of the pusher plate when the pusher plate isretracted and swinging to bridge behind it as it advances.

6. Snow compacting apparatus according to claim 1 comprising means forcompacting the snow with a force equal to at least pounds per squareinch.

7. Snow compacting apparatus according to claim 1 comprising means forcompacting the snow with a force equal to at least about 200 pounds persquare inch.

8. Snow compacting apparatus according to claim 1 in which the secondstage compactor means feeds snow to the path of the ram over an arealonger in the direction of ram movement than the transverse dimension ofthe ram.

9. A snow compactor according to claim 1 in which the second stagecompactor means compacts while the pusher plate and compacting ramretract.

10. A snow compactor according to claim 1 in which the second stagecompactor means compacts while the pusher plate and compacting ramretract and all are reversed automatically by a single controller.

11. A snow compactor according to claim 1 in which the second stagecompactor means compacts while the pusher plate and compacting ramretract and all are reversed automatically by a single controller; andlimit switch means for discontinuing the supply of pressure fluid forone stage of compaction as it reaches the limit of its movement.

12. Snow compacting apparatus including a hopper into which a bulkquantity of snow may be dumped, a hydraulically driven pusher platemovable in the hopper for pushing snow in the hopper into a firstconfined area, partially compacting it therein; second stage hydrauliccompactor means movable in said first confined area for furthercompacting the snow and pushing it into a second confined area; and ahydraulic compacting ram movable in the second confined area foroperation within a compression chamber closed by a movable gate forfurther compacting the snow and forming a dense snow block; means foropening the gate when a desired density has been achieved, and forclosing the gate behind an ejected block, the hydraulic ram operatingwhen the gate is open to eject the snow block by packing more snowbehind it;

in which the second stage compactor means feeds snow to the path of theram over an area longer in the direction of ram movement than thetransverse dimension of the ram; the second stage compactor meanscomprising a plurality of hydraulic tampers actuated by a common fluidsource but separately movable to provide successive rapid movements asthe area is cleared progressively by retraction of the ram.

13. Snow compacting apparatus including a hopper into which a bulkquantity of snow may be dumped, a hydraulic compacting ram for operationwithin a'compression chamber closed by a movable gate for compacting thesnow and forming a dense snow block; the limit of compacting movement ofthe ram terminating with a substantial space ahead of it within thecompression chamber; means for opening the gate when a desired densityhas been achieved, and for closing the gate with shearing action behindan ejected block, the hydraulic ram operating when the gate is open toeject the snow block by packing, less densely, more snow behind it, andmeans for pushing snow from the hopper into the path of the ram,partially compacting it.

14. A compacting apparatus comprising:

a. a hopper-like structure into which a quantity of material may bedeposited;

b. a pusher plate means movable relative to the lower portion of thehopper for pushing the material deposited in the hopper into a firstconfined area, partially compacting it therein;

c. movable plate means in the hopper cooperating with the pusher platemeans for facilitating the substantially continuous reception ofmaterial into the apparatus regardless of the position of the pusherplate means;

d. power means for moving the pusher plate means toward and away fromsaid first confined area;

e. compacting means movable in said first confined area for furthercompacting the material and pushing it into a second confined area;

f. a movable gate closing one portion of said second confined area; 1

g. means for opening said gate when a desired density of the materialhas been achieved andfor closing said gate when a desired portion of thematerial has passed therethrough;

h. and a compacting ram means movable in said second confined area forfurther compacting the material and for ejecting a block of the materialformed along an ejection path by packing more material behind it.

15. Compacting apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the block issevered by a shearing action as said gate is closed. 1

16. Compacting apparatus according to claim 15 including conveying meansspaced below the ejection path for receiving a block when severed by theclosing of said gate.

17. Compacting apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said compactingmeans compacts while said pusher plate and compacting ram retract andall are reversed automatically by a single controller.

18. Compacting apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the compactingmeans compacts while the pusher plate means and compacting ram meansretract, switch means associated with each of said means fordiscontinuing the supply of pressure when said means reach the limits ofmovement.

19. Compacting apparatus according to claim 14 including a switch meanstripped by the moving block as it clears the ejection path forinitiating the closing of said gate.

20. Compacting apparatus according to claim 14' wherein said pusherplate recedes to a position approximating an outer hopper wall and movesalong a pair of side walls.

21. Compacting apparatus according to claim '14 23. Compacting apparatusaccording to claim 14 wherein said compacting means in the firstconfined area feeds material into the path of said compacting ram meansover an area longer in the direction of ram movement than the transversedimension of said compacting ram.

24. Compacting apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said compactingmeans compacts while said pusher plate and compacting ram retract.

25. A compacting apparatus comprising:

a. a hopper-like structure into which a quantity of material may bedeposited;

b. a power operated compacting ram means operating within a compressionchamber closed by a movable gate for compacting the material and forminga dense block, the limit of compacting movement of said compacting rammeans terminating a substantial distance from said gate;

c. means for automatically opening the gate when a desired density hasbeen achieved, and for closing the gate with a shearing action behind anejected block, said compacting ram means operating when the gate is opento eject the block by packing, less densely, more material behind it;

d. and means for pushing material from said hopperlike structure intothe path of said compacting ram means, partially compacting thematerial.

26. Compacting apparatus according to claim 25 including an intermediatecompacting stage between said pushing means and said compacting chamber.

27. Compacting apparatus according to claim 26 wherein said intermediatecompacting stage includes a plurality of movable tampers.

28. Compacting apparatus according to claim 25 including meansassociated with said pusher means for preventing material from beingdeposited behind said pusher means.

29. Compacting apparatus including a hopper-like structure into which aquantity of material may be deposited, comprising:

a. a pusher plate which recedes to approximately the position of oneouter hopper wall and moves along a pair of hopper walls, and convergingwalls opposite the pusher plate through which the pusher plate pushesthe material, partially compacting it;

b. a swinging chute and bridge plate hanging down in front of the pusherplate when the pusher plate is retracted and swinging to a bridgingposition as the pusher plate advances;

c. a hydraulic compacting ram for operation within a compression chamberclosed by a movable gate for further compacting the material and forminga dense block, means for opening the gate when a desired density hasbeen achieved, and for closing the gate behind an ejected block, thehydraulic compacting ram operating when the gate is open to eject theblock by packing more material behind it, and means for pushing materialfrom the hopper into the path of the ram, partially compacting it;

d. second stage compactor means feeding material into the path of thecompacting ram over an area longer in the direction of ram movement thanthe transverse dimension of the ram, the second stage compactor meanscomprising a plurality of hydraulic tampers actuated by a common fluidsource but separately movable to provide successive rapid movements asthe area is cleared progressively by retraction of the ram;

e. limit switch means for discontinuing the supply of pressure fluid forone stage of compaction as it reaches the limit of its movement;

f. switch means tripped by the moving block as it clears the path forthe closing of the gate;

g. wherein the pressurized hydraulic fluid operating the hydrauliccompacting ram is fed to pressureresponsive means for controlling theopening of the gate when the hydraulic pressure reaches a predetermined.value qu va s n qas mne ns 1 5% sure of at least about 200 pounds persquare inch.

30. Compacting apparatus comprising:

a. a hopper into which a quantity of material may be deposited;

b. a pusher plate movable relative to the hopper for pushing thematerial into a first confined area, partially compacting it therein;

0. second stage compactor means movable in said first confined area forfurther compacting the material and pushing it into a second confinedarea;

d. a compacting ram movable in the second confined area for operationwithin a compression chamber closed by a movable gate for furthercompacting the material and forming a dense block;

e. means for opening the gate when a desired density has been achieved,and for closing the gate behind an ejected block, the compacting ramoperating when the gate is open to eject the block by packing morematerial behind it;

f. wherein the second stage compactor means feeds material to the pathof the compacting ram over an area longer in the direction of rammovement than the transverse dimension of the ram;

g. the second stage compactor means including a plurality of tampersactuated by a common power source but separately movable to providesuccessive rapid movements as the area is cleared pro gressively byretraction of the ram.

Petent' Nol 3', 765L321" t d Octobei- 16, 1973 Im rehtofls) NEWELL It iscertified that errbr appears in the above-identified patent and thatsaid Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In the Abstract; line 4, "show" should read --sn0'w. Column 1, line 56,"access" should read -axis-.

Column 7, line 11, "parking" should read --packing--.

' Signed and sealed this 15th day of October 1974.

(SEAL) Attest: v

MCCOY GIBSON JR. V c. MAR HALL DANN Attestingq Officez l Commissioner ofPatents =0RM Po'105e (\0-69) V USCOMM-DC 60376-P69 it UlSl GOVERNMENTPRINTING OFFICE: l9l9 0-366-334.

1. Snow compacting apparatus including a hopper into which a bulkquantity of snow may be dumped, a pusher plate moveable in the lowerportion of the hopper, for pushing snow in the hopper into a firstconfined area, partially compacting it therein; a swing-plate pivotallymounted in the hopper, said swing-plate being swung as the pusher platepushes snow, to a position to receive snow dumped toward the hopper anddump it therein as the pusher plate returns; said pusher plate beingsubstantially free from extensions lengthwise of its movement; hydraulicmeans extending along the length of the hopper for drawing the pusherplate through the hopper; second stage hydraulic compactor means movablein said first confined area for further compacting the snow and pushingit into a second confined area; and a hydraulic compacting ram movablein the second confined area for operation within a compression chamberclosed by a movable gate for further compacting the snow and forming adense snow block; means for opening the gate when a desired density hasbeen achieved, and for closing the gate behind an ejected block, thehydraulic ram operating when the gate is open to eject the snow blockalong an ejection path by packing more snow behind it.
 2. Snowcompacting apparatus according to claim 1 including conveying meansspaced below the ejection path to receive a block when severed byclosing of the gate from the supporting packed snow which supports andejects it.
 3. Snow compacting apparatus according to claim 1 includingconveying means spaced below the ejection path to receive a block whensevered by closing of the gate from the supporting packed snow whichsupports and ejects it, and switch means tripped by the moving block asit clears the path for the closing of the gate.
 4. Snow compactingapparatus according to claim 1 in which the pusher plate recedes toapproximately the position of one outer hopper wall and moves along twoadjacent hopper walls.
 5. Snow compacting apparatus according to claim 1in which the pusher plate recedes to approximately the position of oneouter hopper wall and moves along two adjacent hopper walls; a swingingchute and bridge plate hanging down in front of the pusher plate whenthe pusher plate is retracted and swinging to bridge behind it as itadvances.
 6. Snow compacting apparatus according to claim 1 comprisingmeans for compacting the snow with a force equal to at least 175 poundsper square inch.
 7. Snow compacting apparatus according to claim 1comprising means for compacting the snow with a force equal to at leastabout 200 pounds per square inch.
 8. Snow compacting apparatus accordingto claim 1 in which the second stage compactor means feeds snow to thepath of the ram over an area longer in the direction of ram movementthan the transverse dimension of the ram.
 9. A snow compactor accordingto claim 1 in which the second stage compactor means compacts while thepusher plate and compacting ram retract.
 10. A snow compactor accordingto claim 1 in which the second stage compactor means compacts while thepusher plate and compacting ram retract and all are reversedautomatically by a single controller.
 11. A snow compactor according toclaim 1 in which the second stage compactor means compacts while thepusher plate and compacting ram retract and all are reversedautomatically by a single controller; and limit switch means fordiscontinuing the supply of pressure fluid for one stage of compactionas it reaches the limit of its movement.
 12. Snow compacting apparatusincluding a hopper into which a bulk quantity of snow may be dumped, ahydraulically driven pusher plate movable in the hopper for pushing snowin the hopper into a first confined area, partially compacting ittherein; second stage hydraulic compactor means movable in said firstconfined area for further compacting the snow and pushing it into asecond confined area; and a hydraulic compacting ram movable in thesecond confined area for operation within a compression chamber closedby a movable gate for further compacting the snow and forming a densesnow block; means for opening the gate when a desired density has beenachieved, and for closing the gate behind an ejected block, thehydraulic ram operating when the gate is open to eject the snow block bypacking more snow behind it; in which the second stage compactor meansfeeds snow to the path of the ram over an area longer in the direCtionof ram movement than the transverse dimension of the ram; the secondstage compactor means comprising a plurality of hydraulic tampersactuated by a common fluid source but separately movable to providesuccessive rapid movements as the area is cleared progressively byretraction of the ram.
 13. Snow compacting apparatus including a hopperinto which a bulk quantity of snow may be dumped, a hydraulic compactingram for operation within a compression chamber closed by a movable gatefor compacting the snow and forming a dense snow block; the limit ofcompacting movement of the ram terminating with a substantial spaceahead of it within the compression chamber; means for opening the gatewhen a desired density has been achieved, and for closing the gate withshearing action behind an ejected block, the hydraulic ram operatingwhen the gate is open to eject the snow block by packing, less densely,more snow behind it, and means for pushing snow from the hopper into thepath of the ram, partially compacting it.
 14. A compacting apparatuscomprising: a. a hopper-like structure into which a quantity of materialmay be deposited; b. a pusher plate means movable relative to the lowerportion of the hopper for pushing the material deposited in the hopperinto a first confined area, partially compacting it therein; c. movableplate means in the hopper cooperating with the pusher plate means forfacilitating the substantially continuous reception of material into theapparatus regardless of the position of the pusher plate means; d. powermeans for moving the pusher plate means toward and away from said firstconfined area; e. compacting means movable in said first confined areafor further compacting the material and pushing it into a secondconfined area; f. a movable gate closing one portion of said secondconfined area; g. means for opening said gate when a desired density ofthe material has been achieved and for closing said gate when a desiredportion of the material has passed therethrough; h. and a compacting rammeans movable in said second confined area for further compacting thematerial and for ejecting a block of the material formed along anejection path by packing more material behind it.
 15. Compactingapparatus according to claim 14 wherein the block is severed by ashearing action as said gate is closed.
 16. Compacting apparatusaccording to claim 15 including conveying means spaced below theejection path for receiving a block when severed by the closing of saidgate.
 17. Compacting apparatus according to claim 15 wherein saidcompacting means compacts while said pusher plate and compacting ramretract and all are reversed automatically by a single controller. 18.Compacting apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the compacting meanscompacts while the pusher plate means and compacting ram means retract,switch means associated with each of said means for discontinuing thesupply of pressure when said means reach the limits of movement. 19.Compacting apparatus according to claim 14 including a switch meanstripped by the moving block as it clears the ejection path forinitiating the closing of said gate.
 20. Compacting apparatus accordingto claim 14 wherein said pusher plate recedes to a positionapproximating an outer hopper wall and moves along a pair of side walls.21. Compacting apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said movableplate is swung upwardly as the pusher plate moves toward said firstconfined area and then downwardly to a position to receive the depositedmaterial when the pusher plate moves away from said first confined area.22. Compacting apparatus according to claim 14 including means forcompacting the material with a force equal to at least about 175 poundsper square inch.
 23. Compacting apparatus according to claim 14 whereinsaid compacting means in the first confined area feeds material into thepath of said compacting ram means over an area longer in the dirEctionof ram movement than the transverse dimension of said compacting ram.24. Compacting apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said compactingmeans compacts while said pusher plate and compacting ram retract.
 25. Acompacting apparatus comprising: a. a hopper-like structure into which aquantity of material may be deposited; b. a power operated compactingram means operating within a compression chamber closed by a movablegate for compacting the material and forming a dense block, the limit ofcompacting movement of said compacting ram means terminating asubstantial distance from said gate; c. means for automatically openingthe gate when a desired density has been achieved, and for closing thegate with a shearing action behind an ejected block, said compacting rammeans operating when the gate is open to eject the block by packing,less densely, more material behind it; d. and means for pushing materialfrom said hopper-like structure into the path of said compacting rammeans, partially compacting the material.
 26. Compacting apparatusaccording to claim 25 including an intermediate compacting stage betweensaid pushing means and said compacting chamber.
 27. Compacting apparatusaccording to claim 26 wherein said intermediate compacting stageincludes a plurality of movable tampers.
 28. Compacting apparatusaccording to claim 25 including means associated with said pusher meansfor preventing material from being deposited behind said pusher means.29. Compacting apparatus including a hopper-like structure into which aquantity of material may be deposited, comprising: a. a pusher platewhich recedes to approximately the position of one outer hopper wall andmoves along a pair of hopper walls, and converging walls opposite thepusher plate through which the pusher plate pushes the material,partially compacting it; b. a swinging chute and bridge plate hangingdown in front of the pusher plate when the pusher plate is retracted andswinging to a bridging position as the pusher plate advances; c. ahydraulic compacting ram for operation within a compression chamberclosed by a movable gate for further compacting the material and forminga dense block, means for opening the gate when a desired density hasbeen achieved, and for closing the gate behind an ejected block, thehydraulic compacting ram operating when the gate is open to eject theblock by packing more material behind it, and means for pushing materialfrom the hopper into the path of the ram, partially compacting it; d.second stage compactor means feeding material into the path of thecompacting ram over an area longer in the direction of ram movement thanthe transverse dimension of the ram, the second stage compactor meanscomprising a plurality of hydraulic tampers actuated by a common fluidsource but separately movable to provide successive rapid movements asthe area is cleared progressively by retraction of the ram; e. limitswitch means for discontinuing the supply of pressure fluid for onestage of compaction as it reaches the limit of its movement; f. switchmeans tripped by the moving block as it clears the path for the closingof the gate; g. wherein the pressurized hydraulic fluid operating thehydraulic compacting ram is fed to pressure-responsive means forcontrolling the opening of the gate when the hydraulic pressure reachesa predetermined value equivalent to a compacting pressure of at leastabout 200 pounds per square inch.
 30. Compacting apparatus comprising:a. a hopper into which a quantity of material may be deposited; b. apusher plate movable relative to the hopper for pushing the materialinto a first confined area, partially compacting it therein; c. secondstage compactor means movable in said first confined area for furthercompacting the material and pushing it into a second confined area; d. acompacting ram movable in the second confined area for operation withina compreSsion chamber closed by a movable gate for further compactingthe material and forming a dense block; e. means for opening the gatewhen a desired density has been achieved, and for closing the gatebehind an ejected block, the compacting ram operating when the gate isopen to eject the block by packing more material behind it; f. whereinthe second stage compactor means feeds material to the path of thecompacting ram over an area longer in the direction of ram movement thanthe transverse dimension of the ram; g. the second stage compactor meansincluding a plurality of tampers actuated by a common power source butseparately movable to provide successive rapid movements as the area iscleared progressively by retraction of the ram.